Nigeria: Boko Haram attack kills soldier

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - A Nigerian soldier was killed and four others injured as Boko Haram fighters launched an attack on troops in Nigeria’s northeastern Gashigar town between Saturday night and early Sunday, the army said.

In separate statements on Sunday afternoon, the Nigerian army and Air Force said several militants were killed as ground troops and military gunships repelled the raid.

“They fled in disarray due to superior firepower by the gallant troops and support from the Nigerian Airforce. However, one soldier was killed while four others were wounded. The wounded were immediately evacuated to Maiduguri for treatment by Bell 412 Helicopter,” according to the army.

The militants attempted to gun down military helicopters which had come to offer air support for the troops under attack.

Nigerian Air Force spokesman Ibikunle Daramola said the militants came in at least 13 trucks.